Hoekstra, R-Holland, is asking supporters to help him raise $25,000 before Sept. 30, using the Bachmann endorsement and the results of a recent poll that showed him as the runaway Republican candidate to challenge the incumbent Stabenow.

In Bachmann's endorsement, she lauds Hoekstra for helping her start the U.S. House Tea Party Caucus and that Michigan needs him back in Washington.

“Pete's a great friend with a real vision for helping Michigan to lead the fight against the Obama/Stabenow agenda,” Bachmann said in a quote released by the Hoekstra campaign. “Replacing Barack Obama with a Constitutional Conservative is vital, but we also need an overhaul in the U.S. Senate. Pete is a real conservative.

“This is your opportunity to send a strong message to Washington by electing a Senator who will work to restore the freedom that will put Michigan back to work with a pro-growth economy.”

The e-mailed message also says donations are needed because Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, is hosting a fundraiser for Stabenow in Las Vegas next week.